Donkey Kong world champion in town for Kong Off II

Sad but true. There are 21 levels to Donkey Kong and when a player, such as world champion Hank Chien, reaches the 21st level, the game shuts down. Something the creators probably thought would never happened when the game came out in 1981.

So forget about the princess and focus on points: there's cash to be won for Donkey Kong players who score the most points while playing the iconic video game.

This weekend at the 1up Arcade/Bar in LoDo, the "Kong Off II" will bring together the world's greatest classic arcade gamers to battle it out head-to-head for the title and $2,000 prize. The competitors will play the arcade classic Donkey Kong during a three-day competition with the highest scorer taking the victory.

Competitors include last year's winner and world record holder Hank Chien a.k.a. The Dr. of Kong, former world record holder Steve Wiebe, player of the century Billy Mitchell, Donkey Kong Junior world record holder Mark Kiehl and Popeye world record holder Benjamin Falls.

The event is free to the public but space is limited. To ensure entry and avoid lines, VIP wristbands for the three days are available for $45 at thekongoff.eventbrite.com.

Those who want to try their hand at competing against the best players in the world can enter in the Wild Card division for $30. In addition, $250 prizes will be awarded to any player who sets a world record on one of the more than 20 classic arcade games at The 1up during the competition.

Former Frogger world record holder Pat Laffaye will be on hand to try to reclaim his record, George Luetz will be aiming for the Q*Bert world record, William Carlton will be shooting for the Missile Command world record and Donald Hayes will be vying for the Dig Dug world record.

The 1up, located at 1925 Blake St. is open 360 days a year and features more than 45 classic arcade games, 15 Pinball Machines, three lanes of classic Skee-Ball and multiple sets of giant Jenga. With 14 beers on tap, full bar and delicious fare, The 1up has something for everyone.